Rep. Sibilia: May 14th update

Tomorrow we are expecting to hear a lot more detail on the Governor’s plans to reopen economic activity in the state even as the emergency order will be extended. Yesterday details were provided on reopening of childcare facilitates and retail and drive in establishments. To the left you can get a sense of what is happening across New England.

I am hearing business owners frustrations and impatience to open, understand the broader plan, have more certainty beginning to grow. We are in a time of great uncertainty. Having risked your capital to start a business, employ your neighbors, pay taxes I understand that this time is fraught with risk, loss and emotion. I am aware that employees – essential or otherwise – everyone who works for someone else is also facing risk to their health, their families and their future. As our economy slowly begins to open back up, if you can work, you will be needed. For some types of skilled and unskilled jobs, there are employers who can hire you now.

Today’s constituent question was: “Do you support mail in ballots, and if so why do we need them? I do support mail in ballots for the general election, as long as it isn’t required to vote by mail. Secretary of State Jim Condos has laid out a rationale that makes sense to me. Here is a recent interview on the topic. Should Vermont Shift To A Vote-By-Mail System?By Bob Kinzel, Lydia Brown & Emily Aiken of VPR

My encouragement to all is this – trust that the governor Vermonters have repeatedly re-elected, and his administration, are acting within the law and without malice. But the government that you have elected is not infallible. Your job as a citizen who elects the government is to question the government, and help identify how things can be done with greater success or more efficiency. Time and time again I have seen Vermonters with experience and knowledge to share, communicate suggestions effectively and help bring about change. I have done that myself prior to being elected. This is really hard for everyone – we need to keep hanging in there and working together to get through this time. Hope to chat with folks in the am!

Quarantine Guidance for People Returning to Vermont

If you are returning to Vermont ─ including those who spend winter outside of Vermont, second home owners and college students ─ you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. If, during your quarantine, you have not had symptoms of COVID-19: On or after Day 7 you can be tested at one of the pop-up testing sites. If your test is negative, you can end your quarantine period, as long as you continue to have no symptoms. Learn more at https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Joint Fiscal Office legislative updates

The Joint Fiscal Office (JFO) was created in 1973. The primary mission of the office is to provide non-partisan financial analyses to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the House Ways & Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House and Senate Transportation Committees, and the Joint Fiscal Committee. The Office also provides additional non-partisan staff support to committees in a variety of fiscal areas including health care, education finance, institutions and general fiscal analysis. Here are a few of ther recent reports posted to their website:

Pull up in your car, open your trunk, and the appropriate amount of food will be loaded by members of the Vermont National Guard.

Please be sure there is plenty of space available in your car for the boxes of food. The National Guard requests that you please not bring your pet to ensure their safety while loading MREs into vehicles.

Those who are ill, have been advised to quarantine, or lack transportation can send a friend or relative to pick up meals for them.

PPP, EIDL Daily Webinar

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the SBA Vermont District Office is hosting a free daily webinar from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday to Friday to discuss Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance, and any pertinent updates.

To join by phone, call (202) 765-1264 and when prompted enter the code 470177937#. Upon joining the call, mute the phone to cut down on the background noise and please do not place the call on hold as the hold music will be heard over the presenter. For more information, email susan.mazza@sba.gov.

Following remarks, the Governor and administration officials will be available for questions from members of the media.

I attended the hearing on S.169 – a Senate bill proposing 24 hour waiting periods for handguns. Several folks have asked how I plan to vote on the bill which yet to emerge from House Judiciary. If a bill comes out of House Judiciary, I will carefully consider what is proposed. Thank you to all who took the time to come and testify.